REVIEW: ‘Bettie Page: Unbound,’ Issue #2

Bettie Page: Unbound #2 is published by Dynamite Comics, written by David Avallone, with art by Julius Ohta, colors by Ellie Wright, color flats by Sheelagh D, and letters by Taylor Esposito. The comic picks up where the previous issue left off as Bettie, just having left Red Sonja’s world, finds herself in a much spookier environment trading Red Sonja’s signature chainmail bikini for Vampirella’s skimpy one-piece.

Bettie is still on the hunt for the eternal keys, having collected two previously, that will lock the Great Old Ones out of her universe. As Bettie Page explores this new world, she finds herself picking up a few strange habits including but not limited too, drinking blood, having fangs, and having some wicked reflexes. As Bettie Page takes down the hostile forces of this world, she gets one step closer to getting the key she needs, which is being held by a familiar face.

Bettie Page’s design as Vampirella is adorable. It might be strange to call a Vampire adorable, especially one donning the aesthetic and characteristics of Vampirella, but Bettie’s thigh high boots and little skirt over the more classic Vampirella one-piece are just that – adorable. Previously, Bettie slashed men with Red Sonja’s sword but here she is resisting the urge to bite them as she utilizes Vampirella’s aggressive hand-to-hand fighting style.

Even while taking on their new characteristics, that are wildly different from Bettie’s personality, Bettie still remains Bettie. The re-imagining of Vampirella’s design helps with this but a lot. Ohta’s art has always captured Bettie’s innocence and adorableness well, even as she is drinking blood or taking out aliens. Ohta excels at bringing emotion and expression to Bettie’s eyes. Her big doe-like eyes, darkened by the most perfect eyeliner known to man,

Still, a lot of Bettie “staying” Bettie in part to Avallone’s clever writing. This is something I have mentioned in previous reviews but Bettie Page is such a unique Dynamite Comics’ heroine because she is not a traditional femme fatale, like Vampirella. Bettie’s feminity is very classic more akin to her real-life persona’s flawless ability to mix feminity and innocence with raw sexuality. Even while posing in the nude or performing a song while scantily clad, the real-life Bettie Page was always adorable.

Unlike Bettie, the worlds Bettie is visiting feels extremely different from each other and the universe Bettie is so desperately trying to save. Wright and Sheelagh D’s work on the coloring brings the world alive, painting it mostly in varying shades of red. Additionally, Esposito’s lettering helps keeps the action on the panels moving. This is a wordier comic but the pages are never cluttered, which is accomplished both by Esposito’s fantastic lettering and Ohta’s panel designs.

Overall, Bettie Page: Unbound #2 continues to be a fun adventure for the titular character. Her dive into other worlds from the Dynamite Comics lineup is ridiculous fun. This comic has never taken itself too seriously and leans into its overly campy nature, something I seriously appreciate. If you enjoy any of Dynamite Comics’ leading ladies or just need a lighter read in your pull, I highly recommend this book.

Bettie Page: Unbound #2 is available now everywhere comics are sold.